A Revealed Gem

Friday morning—a couple of days ago—we were working on PSMW stuff and doing projects on the boat when we heard a knock.  Bob, a boater who keeps his Hatteras in the Homeport Marina, saw our AGLCA burgee and as a Gold Looper (they completed the Loop in 2008), stopped by to introduce himself.  By 5:15 that same evening on Velsignet’s flying bridge we were enjoying stories from Bob and his wife, Vicki, about their looping experiences (Home in Fairhope, AL; M/V “Si Como No," and have 2 Himalayan cats).   

During our conversation with Bob and Vicki, we mentioned our desire to ride our bikes from here to Orange Beach where Mike’s folks are staying, and voiced concern over what we saw was a lack of bike lanes and trails.  Vicki and Bob very kindly let us know that our perceptions weren’t true, that there are an abundance of bike lanes and trails between here and there.  Vicki gave us details about how we would find them.  This weekend we got our bikes out and discovered a magical place called “Gulf State Park.”

Gulf State Park is situated between Homeport Marina (Gulf Shores) and Orange Beach. It's pretty much bike and hiking trails with limited car access.  The park is approximately 6,500 acres with 25 miles of paved biking and walking trails that meander around  3 lakes (with lakeside cabins), almost 500 (yes…500!) full-hookup campsites with a wide offering of modern amenities and activities, a nature center and a golf course. The wooded areas are “scrubby” and boardwalks allow one to cross the more marshy areas.  There are signs that warn of “alligator habitat” and “tortoise crossing.”  The trails lead to the beach (over 3 miles of beautiful white sand!) that features an interpretive center and fishing pier (it is claimed to be the largest pier on the Gulf of Mexico; wish to fish?  rent whatever you need!…or be like us, enjoy a sunset!).

Here's the entrance into Gulf State Park.

This is a photo of the fishing pier that extends into the Gulf of Mexico; this and the stretch of beach is included in Gulf State Park.  The foreground gives you an idea of the sand dunes that precede the beautiful beach area.

This is where Marlys and Glen spend their January-March winters.  They are on the 8th floor and overlook the beach.  We enjoy taking walks on the beach when we visit.

Here's a sample of the bike trail.  Paved.  Wide.  A real gem!

Along the trails were benches to stop and take a break. 
Each had an inscription depicting a person, family or group that sponsored the bench.

There were several routes to take within the park.  These signs gave us directions.

One area of trail had live oak trees hung with Spanish moss.

The boardwalks that spanned over more difficult areas of terrain were very nice to walk or ride on.

We stopped at a look-out platform which gave us a view of the wooded park.  In the background are the high rises along Orange Beach, AL.

Besides benches along the trail, there were covered swings that visitors enjoyed, as well as bike racks.

This is Homeport Marina, next to the famous "LuLu's" (Owner Lucy Buffet is sister to Jimmy Buffet)
on the Inter-coastal Waterway. 

The past couple of days has been sunny with temps in the 60s--perfect for biking trails!

This is a photo looking west on the Gulf Inter-Coastal Waterway from the Homeport  Marina.

This is the Gulf Inter-coastal Waterway looking east from Homeport Marina.